Cremation: FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions about Cremation

Many people have either considered cremation, or are curious about this very personal choice of disposition. Clearly, you are not alone. You may be surprised to learn that cremation, is fast becoming a choice of a growing number of families throughout North America. To answer some of the questions you may have on the subject, we have gathered some background information and explanations of the types of services, memorials, rituals and other concerns asked most often about this method of disposition.

Authorization/Legal right to control the disposition of deceased human remains is defined by state law where the death occurred. Generally accepted legal heirachy for burial or cremation in descending relationship are:

Person designated in written instrument (final disposition “agent”);

Spouse;

Domestic Partner;

Any Child 18 or Older;

Either Parent;

Any Brother or Sister 18 or Older;

Authorized Guardian;

Person 18 or Older now Eligible to Receive an Estate Distribution, in the following descending order:

Grandchildren;

Great-Grandchildren;

Nieces and Nephews;

Grand-nieces and Grand-nephews;

Grandparents;

Aunts and Uncles;

First Cousins;

Great-Grandchildren of Grandparents;

Second Cousins;

Fiduciary (Executor);

Close friend or other relative who is reasonably familiar with the decedent’s wishes, including his or her religious or moral beliefs, when no one higher on the list is available, willing, or competent to act, and who completes the “At-Need Written Statement” form;

Public administrator (or the same official in a county not having a public administrator); or, anyone willing to act on behalf of the decedent who completes the “At-Need Written Statement” form. NOTE: A person – whether next-of-kin or appointed “agent” – who: (1) at the time of the decedent’s death, was the subject of an order of protection issued to protect the decedent; or (2) has been arrested or charged with any crime allegedly causally related to the death of the decedent is automatically prohibited from having or exercising control of the disposition of the deceased’s remains.

Some people may regard it as such, but most families feel that the cremated remains of someone they love should be afforded a resting place that can be identified by the name and dates. Most families find that a memorial, regardless of its size, serves as a basic human need to remember and be remembered.

Cremation by definition is used to prepare the human body for final disposition. Ultimately disposition can be earth burial, entombment, placement in a niche or in a garden within a cemetery, scattering at sea, or holding in safekeeping by a family member or their designated representative. Before the cremation can take place, certain medical devices or implants must be removed from the body, such as pacemakers, prosthesis, or mechanical and radioactive devices. Not removing these items could cause damage to the cremation chamber or crematory personnel. We would also need to know if the deceased was treated with any radioactive medication. Next, the deceased is placed in a wood casket or cremation container. The casket or container and the body are then put in the cremation chamber and are consumed by the intense heat and flames (1800 degrees F ). All soft tissue are vaporized, and the skeletal body framework is reduced to bone fragments and particles. These bone fragments are further broken down with a process called polarization. The cremated remains are then placed in a temporary urn or a container that is provided. Cremated remains normally weigh between four and eight pounds, depending on the size of the individual.

Many think choosing cremation means you are limited to holding only a simple service – or holding no service at all. This is not the case. The fact is, choosing cremation in no way prevents family and friends from participating in the life affirming traditions, ceremonies or rituals of a funeral service. Cremation is simply an alternative to earth burial or entombment of the body of the deceased. Those who opt for cremation still can participate in the elements of the personalized funeral or memorial service by holding:

a service or ceremony at church, funeral home chapel, lodge , country club, or other location

a visitation, viewing or wake

or a graveside service.

Again, like earth burial or entombment, there are many ways to honor a life lived for those who choose cremation. Choices include:

cremation with public or private viewing

cremation with viewing and/or ceremonies

cremation with memorial service and no viewing

cremation with full ceremonies only

cremation with no ceremonies

These are the most common choices, but you can personalize services to suit your family traditions or customs.

When people realize these choices are available, the majority select some type of ceremony, viewing, etc. such observances are intended to help survivors by providing an opportunity to acknowledge the loss and begin the healing process, allowing loved ones to release their feelings and share their grief. Clark Associates Funeral Home can provide information to help you make the decision that best fits your needs, no matter what type of services you choose. Survivors often regret not having some form of service, ceremony, or viewing that would allow them the opportunity to say good-bye to the deceased. It has been proven that taking part in the process of arranging and attending funeral ceremonies can be therapeutic. So consider your options carefully before making this important, irreversible decision.

The question of what to do with the cremated remains is another important decision you’ll need to consider. Here you have several options. Some prefer to keep the cremated remains in their personal possession, while others feel it is appropriate to place them in a formal or permanent location. It is common to bury the urn as you would a casket. This allows families to remain together in a burial plot, regardless of each family member’s choice of final disposition. The burial site offers loved ones a permanent place to visit and reflect on the life of the deceased. Burial also can be in an urn garden or private crypt. A columbarium provides another permanent place for the family to visit. The columbarium niche is marked with a name plate listing dates of birth and death. This choice is ideal for those who prefer above-ground entombment. Dividing and scattering is yet another option for final disposition of cremated remains dividing allows families to bury as well as scatter. Cremated remains are often spread over a lake, ocean, field or scattering garden. If you are interested in scattering or dividing remains, Clark Associates Funeral Home can explain the environmental regulations in your area and can help you make the arrangements. This decision should be made carefully, because once it is done, it cannot be reversed.

Memorial Options

Selecting the appropriate memorial to honor a loved one is another important decision. The type of memorial itself should be given considerable thought, as it will represent a permanent dedication to the deceased and will serve as a formal place of reflection for future generations. Cremation offers several options in terms of memorials. Our funeral directors can offer ideas based on your circumstances and wishes. Popular examples include bronze memorials, monuments and plaques, or living memorials such as a garden, tree grove or community park. Some prefer a plaque to be placed on a fraternal or veteran’s memorial, grave or niche, or on a tree or bench at the cemetery or memorial park. Choosing cremation in no way prevents family and friends from participating in the life-affirming traditions, ceremonies or ritual of a funeral service.

Requirements for embalming vary, depending on the services selected by the family and local, state or provincial law. If the family chooses viewing and visitation, embalming is generally necessary according to funeral home policy, in the case of direct cremation, embalming is normally not required but refrigeration may be necessary.

Like earth burial or entombment, the expenses of a cremation can vary greatly depending on your choice of services, final disposition, cremation container and urn selection. Clark Associates Funeral Home will discuss all of your options and costs with you to help you reach the right decision for you and your family.

It doesn’t necessarily have to be different. The extent , formality and the content of a cremation service is entirely subject to the wishes of the family. They also may have more options when cremation is chosen. Often a memorial service is held after cremation has occurred or perhaps the family will gather at a convenient time for the burial committal of the cremated remains.

This may be legally done in most areas, however many believe that in consideration of the descendants of the departed that some form of memorialization should be provided. Furthermore, there are reasons for not scattering, because it is for many a very traumatic experience. It can be soul shaking to spill out all that is mortal of someone you have known and loved. One should realize how much is being asked of the person who is to do the scattering. Some crematories provide scattering gardens within the dedicated property, often with the option of personal memorials. The use of dedicated property assures the site chosen will not be developed for other use at some future time.

Cremation is final and irreversible; therefore our mission is never to allow a mistake with identity and offer our services with dignity and respect.

The cremation may be attended by the family at NO additional charge.

The deceased is topically disinfected cleansed, and dressed for identification at NO additional charge.

The deceased is dressed in clothing supplied by the family or wrapped in clean sheeting if clothing is not available at NO additional charge.

Identification of the deceased is always scheduled to accommodate the family at NO additional charge.

Identification of the deceased is always made in our chapel – NEVER in our preparation room, refrigeration room or garage.

The cremation container or casket is ALWAYS NEW.

The family is always welcome to have a private committal/farewell at the Ferncliff Crematory Chapel at the time of the cremation

The deceased is transported to the crematory in a hearse Not a van or truck.

It has been our policy to ALWAYS request “immediately serviced” at the crematory so that the deceased is placed into the first available retort upon arrival at Ferncliff.

The deceased is NEVER left over night lingering in a holding area at the crematory waiting to be cremated the next day.

The cremated remains are ALWAYS picked up personally by our staff at the crematory and returned to our funeral home at NO additional charge – NEVER shipped by mail to our funeral home or to the family mailbox.

The temporary cremated remains container is ALWAYS inspected upon arrival at the funeral home to verify that the crematory identification number inside the container matches the number stamped on the cremation receipt received at the time of the initial delivery to the crematory.

The cremated remains are personally handed to the designated family member at our funeral home.

Our cremation services are performed, arranged and supervised by our staff of New York State Licensed Funeral Directors.